The forests and hills of the "Rijk van Nijmegen" and the "Reichswald" together will form the fantastic surroundings for the mountainbike marathon. The forests around Nijmegen and Kleve already have an extensive mountainbike marathon history and now a superb track is drawn out especially for the WUC Cycling 2008. The start of the marathon takes place at the university sports centre. After a few kilometres of asphalt the riders will dive into the forest. Here they will directly hit the first single-track followed by a broader forest path. Swirling through the Heumensoord-area the riders cross the train track, after which they will directly dive into the forest again for the first of many small but treacherous climbs around Groesbeek.

Many single tacks and treacherous climbs make this part of the marathon very attractive. After a tour over the Mookerheide the riders ride in the direction of Groesbeek again. After about 35 kilometres the riders cross the Sint Jansbertg and enter the Reichswald. Here an alternating track will be cycled with particular nice single tracks and dangerously fast descents. After about 50 kilometers through the Reichswald the marathon goes up north, along the Sint Jansberg in the direction of Groesbeek. During about 25 kilometers the legs are really put to the test by XC - like tracks with particularly much variety. The last five kilometers are flat and here a considerable sprint can be drawn to shake off the last competitors once and for all. The finish is at the university sports centre. The total track has 1,150 altimeters and is about 120 kilometers long.

For a closer look, download the maps (in satellite view).

Not only the World Championship bikers can participate in the mountain bike marathon, but also individuals (both recreationists as competition bikers) can take part. For more information and subscribtion, please click here.